In a bold move against escalating military expenditures, former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is spearheading a call for a counter-summit to NATO’s upcoming gathering in The Hague. Scheduled for June 24, this alternative assembly falls just a day before the NATO leaders convene.
Invitation to European Leaders
Conte, currently at the helm of Italy’s Five Star Movement, plans to extend invitations to European leaders who share his opposition to increased military rearmament. The venue for this significant meeting will be the Dutch parliament, where it will be hosted by the Dutch Socialist Party.
In an open letter, Conte urged, “I call on all European political representatives who oppose this reckless arms race … who believe in defending the values of peace and dialogue among nations.” His appeal emphasizes the importance of maintaining a dialogue-oriented approach in Europe.
Concerns Over Increased Defense Spending
The only governing party to confirm participation thus far is Spain’s Sumar, which is part of a coalition led by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is also slated to attend the NATO summit. During the NATO gathering on June 24-25, leaders are anticipated to endorse a new defense spending benchmark, which is set to be 5 percent of GDP. According to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s letter to alliance members, this spending will comprise 3.5 percent for direct military costs and 1.5 percent for related expenditures, such as infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Conte has expressed strong opposition to these developments, stating, “This shift is unacceptable. Without genuine public debate at the European and national levels, we are witnessing — within mere weeks — the transformation of the European welfare system, built over decades, into a machinery of war.” His concerns reflect a broader apprehension regarding the implications of militarization on social welfare.
Among the other groups expected to attend the counter-summit are Germany’s Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, Belgium’s PTB, the Communist Party of Portugal, Cyprus’ Akel, the Czech Republic’s Stacilo, Latvia’s For Stability, and Greece’s Course of Freedom, as listed by the Five Star Movement.